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Paddington

Paddington

Paul King (2) (2014)

91min
PG Certificate
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Review

Our Score
Director Paul King (Bunny & the Bull) could have betrayed the essence of Michael Bond's much-loved character by modernising the setting and plot, but, have no fear, Paddington is a class act. After a prologue set in darkest Peru, the eponymous young bear (beautifully voiced by Ben Whishaw) moves into the west London household of the Brown family (led by parents Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins). Although mishaps aplenty soon ensue, Paddington eventually wins their affections. But can they keep him safe from the clutches of a mysterious, stiletto-heeled taxidermist (Nicole Kidman) who's hellbent on adding his hide to a collection at the Natural History Museum? While children will break out in fits of giggles over the well-timed slapstick sequences, adults will probably relish the wink-wink grown-up jokes and sly visual references to film-makers such as Wes Anderson and Jacques Demy. At its heart, though, this is a thrillingly, lovingly, deeply British film, as comforting as Christmas pantomimes, double-decker buses and hot milky tea.

Summary

An earthquake forces a bear from the Peruvian jungle to start a new life in London. He finds modern Britain to be very different from the stories told to him by his aunt, but makes a new home with a kindly family. However, a sinister taxidermist intends to turn him into a museum exhibit. Comedy based on Michael Bond's series of children's books, starring Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and Nicole Kidman, with the voice of Ben Whishaw.

Cast & Crew

Paddington Bear Ben Whishaw
Mr Henry Brown Hugh Bonneville
Mrs Mary Brown Sally Hawkins
Millicent Nicole Kidman
Mrs Bird Julie Walters
Mr Gruber Jim Broadbent
Mr Curry Peter Capaldi
Joe Matt Lucas
Grant Kayvan Novak
Jonathan Brown Samuel Joslin
Judy Brown Madeleine Harris
Uncle Pastuzo Michael Gambon
Aunt Lucy Imelda Staunton
Andre the Thief Matt King
Man at Paddington Station Michael Bond (2)
Head of Geographer's Guild Geoffrey Palmer
Receptionist Alice Lowe
Paddington security chief Steve Oram
Montgomery Clyde Tim Downie
Security guard Simon Farnaby
Director Paul King (2)
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Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: Studio CanalAvailable on: DVD and Blu-rayReleased on: 28 Nov 2014
Comedy Children's Drama
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Free* Paddington book!

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Free Paddington Christmas Gift!

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